Watch: Vijay Shankar sends Hardik Pandya to cleaners with three sixes in an over in SMAT 2024

Vijay Shankar in SMAT 2024. (Source: Jio Cinema/Sports18)

India all-rounder Vijay Shankar displayed his hitting potential for Tamil Nadu against Baroda at the Holkar Stadium in Indore in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The all-rounder put in an excellent performance with the bat, taking Hardik Pandya to the cleaners with some massive strokes. Shankar’s hitting made sure that Tamil Nadu ended up with a big total in the first innings. The all-rounder smashed 42 runs in 22 deliveries as Tamil Nadu posted 221/6.

The clip of the over where Shankar hits Pandya for three sixes in four deliveries has gone viral all over social media. Shankar hit the first six over long-on ad followed that with a hit over long off. He made it three sixes in an over with another massive strike down the ground. 

Baroda defeat Tamil Nadu chasing down mammoth target

Speaking of the game, Tamil Nadu put in an excellent performance in the first innings as openers Baba Indrajith (25 off 14) and Narayan Jagadeesan (57 off32) gave the team a strong start. Later, Boopathi Kumar (28 off 16) and Shahrukh Khan (39 off 25) to maintain the momentum while Shankar’s quickfire 42 ensured that Tamil Nadu went well above 200. Baroda’s Lukman Meriwala was the highest wicket-taker with three wickets while Krunal Pandya, Ninad Rathva and Mahesh Pithiya took one each. 

Coming out to chase, Baroda got off to a subpar start as openers Mitesh Patel (18 off 11) and Ninad Rathva (29 off 19) could not convert their starts. However, Bhanu Pania’s 42 run cameo in 20 balls kept Baroda on track. Hardik redeemed himself as he smacked 69 off just 30 with the help of seven sixes to take his across the line with seven wickets in hand.